Graduate
August 5, 2025
Understanding the Relationship between Child Maltreatment, Religiosity, and Adult-onset Anxiety and Depressive Disorders among Participants in the Saudi National Mental Health Survey (SNMHS)
Abstract This dissertation explores the interrelationships among child maltreatment (CM), religiosity, and adult-onset depressive and anxiety disorders using data from the Saudi National Mental Health Survey (SNMHS). It addresses whether parental religiosity is associated with CM and differs by gender, the influence of CM on adult religiosity and its gender dependence, and the association between…
Abortion Restrictions and Violence Against Women and Girls 15-44 in Missouri, 2012-2023
Abstract Abortion restrictions in the United States continue to threaten the health equity and bodily autonomy of those who can become pregnant, increasing risk for violent victimization. Research is needed to understand how abortion restrictions contribute to the normalization of violence against women and girls. This study used multiple interrupted time series analyses to examine…
Associations of Depression with Opioid Use Among Pregnant Individuals, and Rural-Urban Differences in the Relationships: An Analysis of PRAMS Data
Abstract Background: Depression during pregnancy affects approximately 15–20% of pregnancies and is associated with poor maternal and infant outcomes, including increased risk for preterm birth and inadequate prenatal care. It is also linked to adverse health behaviors, including opioid use. While research has documented associations of depression with opioid use during pregnancy, limited work has…
Physical Activity Patterns and Kidney Function Changes Among Hispanic/Latino Adults: An Analysis from the HCHS/SOL Cohort
Abstract Background: Physical activity (PA) may be a modifiable factor for CKD prevention, but evidence specific to Hispanic/Latino populations is limited. Objective: To examine the association between PA patterns and longitudinal changes in kidney function among Hispanic/Latino adults. Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos, a prospective cohort…
Investigating the interaction of diet quality on the association between air pollution exposure and diabetes incidence in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study Of Latinos
Abstract Background Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is a chronic disease linked to increased morbidity and mortality. Hispanic and Latino groups have a disproportionately high prevalence of diagnosed T2D cases among ethnic and racial groups in the United States. Dietary patterns that feature the consumption of processed meats and sugar-sweetened beverages have been linked to development…
The Impact of Air Pollution Exposure in Early Childhood on the Prevalence of Atopic Dermatitis in Preschool-Aged Children
Abstract Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin condition in children influenced by genetic and environmental factors, potentially including air pollution. While research has linked air pollution to the development of allergic diseases, such as asthma, few studies have examined AD, and none of these have been based in the United States. Understanding the…
Association of timing of childhood maltreatment with alcohol use disorder in adulthood and potential mediation of the association by stress regulation.
Abstract Abortion restrictions in the United States continue to threaten the health equity and bodily autonomy of those who can become pregnant, increasing risk for violent victimization. Research is needed to understand how abortion restrictions contribute to the normalization of violence against women and girls. This study used multiple interrupted time series analyses to examine…
Characterizing the climate risks, social vulnerability, and neonatal transport burden on neonatal intensive care units in the United States under 2°C and 50cm sea level rise
Abstract IntroductionThe impacts of climate change are becoming more significant, leading to more extreme weather events across the United States, including extreme temperatures, flooding, and wildfires. Climate disasters can threaten healthcare access and induce hospital shut-downs, forcing relocation of patients, with the potential for serious health consequences for vulnerable populations like neonates in neonatal intensive…
Association Between Social Connection and Gender Identity Among Transgender and Gender-Diverse Veterans
Abstract BackgroundSocial connection plays an important health buffering role in the wellbeing of transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) people. It is not well understood whether social connection differs between binary (transgender men and women) and nonbinary (individuals who do not identity as men or women) TGD individuals. This study compared social connection among binary transgender and…
Exploring the Intersection Between Persistent Poverty and Rurality Status for Advanced Stage Diagnosis of Breast Cancer using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program
Abstract Persistent poverty has been associated with disparities in cancer outcomes. Prior studies have described these disparities as most important for rural areas. This study seeks to provide insight into the roles of persistent poverty and rurality status, on receiving an advanced stage breast cancer diagnosis (stage II, III, and IV) relative to stage I….
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